IRAQ: The UN's chief weapons inspector, Dr Hans Blix, said yesterday that Iraq must begin destroying its al-Samoud 2 missiles by Saturday, rejecting Baghdad's proposal for more time to hold technical talks.
"We have set a date for the commencement of the destruction of these missiles and we expect that to be respected," said Dr Blix.
Asked in New York whether there would be any further negotiation with the Iraqis on the destruction of the missiles, he responded: "I do not expect that. There will be a discussion about the pace in which the destruction will take place."
Dr Blix ordered Baghdad on Friday to begin destroying the missiles, their warheads, engines, launchers, guidance and control systems and numerous other components by Saturday after concluding they exceeded the 150 km range set by a Security Council resolution.
Their destruction would be a blow to Iraq - which says the missile was designed to stay within the permitted range - as the country prepares for a possible US-led invasion.
But if Baghdad fails to destroy the missiles, the US and Britain could argue Iraq is not co-operating with the United Nations and that war is justified.
Iraq had written to Dr Blix last week proposing technical talks in Baghdad on the missile's capabilities, but Dr Blix's latest comments appeared to rule out the possibility.
Speaking prior to President Saddam's interview with NBC news in which he rejected Dr Blix's demand, Iraq's ambassador to the UN, Mr Mohammed Aldouri, said he did not expect any further reaction from Baghdad before the end of the day. "We are carefully studying the letter and we are not going to rush our response," Mr Aldouri said.